Car Rental in Crete
In our opinion, renting a car is the best way to explore Crete. The island is surprisingly large, and many of its most beautiful places are located far beyond the well known beach resorts. Think hidden beaches, mountain villages, breathtaking viewpoints, and small local tavernas that you would never stumble upon otherwise.
With a rental car, you can travel at your own pace. Stop whenever you spot a stunning view, take an unknown road just because it looks interesting, or spend a little longer in a place that simply feels right. These spontaneous moments often become the highlights of a trip to Crete.
Do You Need a Rental Car in Crete?
That depends on your travel plans.
If you're staying at a resort for a week and mainly want to relax by the pool, you can easily manage without a car. However, if you'd like to see more of the island, explore different regions, and discover hidden gems, we highly recommend renting one.
Crete stretches for more than 250 kilometres (155 miles) from east to west, and distances are often underestimated. Driving those 250 kilometres can easily take 5 to 7 hours due to the island's mountainous terrain and winding roads. Having your own car allows you to make the most of your holiday and see much more of what Crete has to offer.
Why We Always Rent a Car
Every time we visit Crete, we're reminded how valuable that flexibility is.
Some of our favourite memories were completely unplanned. A secluded beach we spotted from the road. A tiny village where life seems to move at a different pace. A local taverna where we decided to stop for lunch simply because the terrace looked inviting.
Many of these places are difficult or even impossible to reach without your own transport.
What Type of Car Do You Need?
For most holidays in Crete, a compact or mid size car is an excellent choice.
The island's main roads are generally well maintained, and a smaller car is much easier to manoeuvre through narrow streets in old villages and coastal towns.
We do recommend avoiding the very cheapest models. Crete has plenty of elevation changes, and once you head into the mountains, smaller cars can sometimes struggle on steep climbs. A slightly more powerful vehicle simply makes driving more comfortable.
If you're planning to explore a large part of the island, visit mountain villages, or cover longer distances, a mid size car is often the best option. A large SUV is rarely necessary, but a bit of extra power is usually more useful than extra size.
If you're not comfortable driving abroad or you're unfamiliar with mountain roads, consider renting an automatic. It makes driving on Crete's winding mountain roads much more relaxed, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than changing gears.
Driving in Crete
Driving in Crete is generally straightforward and enjoyable. However, there are a few things worth keeping in mind:
- Main roads are usually in good condition.
- Roads in mountainous areas can be narrow and winding.
- Local drivers may drive faster than you're used to.
- Parking can be limited in villages and city centres.
- Watch out for goats and sheep on rural roads.
Don't let this put you off. Most visitors feel completely comfortable driving in Crete after just a day or two.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at the Airport
Most travellers collect their rental car directly at the airport.
The two main airports are:
- Heraklion International Airport
- Chania International Airport
Picking up your car upon arrival gives you complete freedom from the moment you land and removes the need to rely on transfers or taxis.
Our Favourite Way to Explore Crete
We've explored Crete in many different ways over the years, but nothing beats a road trip.
From the rugged west coast to the peaceful villages of eastern Crete. From hidden beaches along the south coast to spectacular mountain roads through the island's interior.
The less rigid your itinerary, the more room there is for spontaneous discoveries. And for us, those unexpected moments are exactly what make Crete so special, every single time.
Rent a car
on Crete
We usually choose Sunny Cars when renting a car in Crete because of their excellent service, clear rental conditions, and smooth pick up process. Their rentals come with all inclusive insurance, allowing you to explore the island with peace of mind without worrying about unexpected damage costs.
Another advantage is the flexibility. In most cases, you can cancel your reservation free of charge up to 24 hours before the rental starts, which is reassuring if your travel plans change unexpectedly.
To be honest, we do not think this level of coverage is a luxury in Crete. A small scratch or dent can happen more easily than you might expect, even when your car is simply parked.
Our tips:
- Book in advance: Rental cars can sell out quickly, especially during the summer months. Booking ahead gives you a wider choice of vehicles and often better prices.
- Check the insurance coverage: Always take a moment to review what is included in the insurance and whether there is an excess. Knowing exactly what you're covered for can save surprises later.
- Choose a car that matches your plans: If you'll mainly be staying along the coast and visiting nearby towns, a compact car is usually perfect. Planning to explore mountain villages and drive through the interior? A slightly more powerful car can make those journeys much more comfortable.
- Take photos when you collect the car: Before driving away, take a few photos or a short video of the vehicle, including any existing scratches or damage. It only takes a minute and can help avoid misunderstandings when returning the car.